AC issues

[kclough]

Hey guys, I'm having some issues with my AC. I have a 2002 7.3 crew cab. When I turn on the AC there is a mildew smell I have looked for a cabin filter but can't find one. Is there a drain plug somewhere for the condenser or am I blind and not seeing the filter. I have checked under the cowl and in front of the passenger seat where the blower motor is. Thanks

[ancho]

I'm not sure of the exact location, but there should be a drain tube or hole, not a plug, either on the firewall below the blower box, or on the blower box itself.

Wurth makes a nice product to deodorize evaporator housings:

Wurth A/C & Heating System Treatment 16oz.

Takes a few treatments, but I've seen good results with it. Especially if you are able to plug the drain hole/tube and let some of the solution sit and soak the bottom of the evaporator box for a few hours.

[Evil Eye]

Thanks for the reply, Ancho. I have a similar "issue" with the musty smell and I've tried Lysol into the vents and returns and it never cures the issue.

[ancho]

Yeah, I tried the Lysol thing too -- in theory, it's microbicidal, and should help, but I think it's just too aerosolized, and it's difficult to get it to pool on surfaces where critters are growing. The Wurth product comes out in a coarser spray pattern, more liquid than mist, and I think that helps. The instructions state to use it in the vents inside, and the fresh air intake outside, which did help, but I had the most benefit from going "in through the out door" (filling via drain tube).

[Evil Eye]

Originally Posted by ancho

Yeah, I tried the Lysol thing too -- in theory, it's microbicidal, and should help, but I think it's just too aerosolized, and it's difficult to get it to pool on surfaces where critters are growing. The Wurth product comes out in a coarser spray pattern, more liquid than mist, and I think that helps. The instructions state to use it in the vents inside, and the fresh air intake outside, which did help, but I had the most benefit from going "in through the out door" (filling via drain tube).

Thanks. I'm assuming that you mean on the evaporator, correct?

PS. Have you bought anything from those guys on autogeek?

[ancho]

Originally Posted by Evil Eye

Thanks. I'm assuming that you mean on the evaporator, correct?

PS. Have you bought anything from those guys on autogeek?

Yep, the evaporator, which when cold, has moisture condensing out of the air, plus add in some dust, dirt, etc, it's a prime area for mold/mildew to grow. Add in the possibility of a plugged drain hole/tube, with any degree of pooling at the bottom of the evap housing, and that's where your smell comes from. Also, evaporator cores that leak refrigerant and oil, even in minute amounts, will attract even more debris, increasing the surface area for microbial growth.

I've bought a few things from autogeek - the Wurth A/C treatment, and also some Wurth paint products for refininshing the LT5 in my ZR-1. I think you can use the code "autopia" for 10% off at autogeek. Usually ship pretty fast, and they carry stuff that is kind of hard to find.

[Evil Eye]

Sweet! Thanks again for all your information.

[SuperCrutyPS]

One thing I've been doing to minimize the smell is to shut off the AC before I stop at my location. i.e. About a 1/4 mile from my house, I'll shut off the AC and just let the blower blow air through the system. By time I shut the truck down, a bunch of air has blown through. It seem to work for me. I've used bleach / Lysol in the outside air vents and let the system pull it through when I've had some smell.

[ancho]

Originally Posted by SuperCrutyPS

One thing I've been doing to minimize the smell is to shut off the AC before I stop at my location. i.e. About a 1/4 mile from my house, I'll shut off the AC and just let the blower blow air through the system. By time I shut the truck down, a bunch of air has blown through. It seem to work for me. I've used bleach / Lysol in the outside air vents and let the system pull it through when I've had some smell.

Good point, I do the same thing in all my vehicles. It does seem to help somewhat (though on humid days, I'm not sure it makes much difference.

[mooseracer96]

Remove the blower motor and look at the heater core. Mine was covered with green when i replaced the blower motor. Thanks James